School Officials Start Campaign To Get Approval To Renovate Rocky Hill High School

January 31, 2012|DAVID DRURY, Special to the Courant

ROCKY HILL — — An audience of several hundred residents heard faculty and administrators make the case Monday that substantial improvements must be made to the high school building — and soon — or risk the loss of accreditation.

"I personally feel this is the most critical issue that faces your community,'' said Superintendent Jeffrey Villar, who said he felt the urgency to hold the meeting and speak to the community before leaving Wednesday to become superintendent in Windsor.

The meeting in the school auditorium marked the start of a campaign educators desperately hope will culminate in a successful referendum approving renovation of the high school.

The New England Association of Schools & Colleges Inc., citing numerous problems with the high school building, issued a warning last year that unless corrective action is taken, the school could be placed on probation and ultimately lose its accreditation. Such a move would be devastating for Rocky Hill students pursuing higher education goals.

"Clearly Rocky Hill High School will be placed on probation and will lose accreditation if no action is taken,'' said Villar, who has had school facilities referendums defeated twice during his four-year tenure.

The school board adopted a revised plan last year that called for spending $69 million to construct one new elementary school, complete a full technological upgrade of the other and undertake a $40.8 million renovation and expansion of Rocky Hill High.

The town council endorsed bringing the high school up to the accreditation agency's standards, but questioned the size and cost of the board's plan.

High school chemistry teacher Kathy Kennedy, who supervises the science program, told the audience that space constraints, particularly not enough laboratories, make it increasingly difficult to offer an adequate instructional program. Two science credits are now required for graduation, a number that is expected to double.

"We do not have enough science classrooms to meet increased graduation requirements,'' she said. "Student learning is being impacted negatively."

Principal Mario Almeida pointed to other building shortcomings, such as the cramped media center and the reliance on outside storage bins to house band and athletic equipment. Equipment has to be replaced because of the leaky metal bins, he said.

Other problems cited in the accreditation agency report, such as fire code violations, lack of handicapped accessibility, chemical storage in the pool area and ongoing problems with the heating and air-conditioning system system, were noted in the hourlong presentation, which concluded with faculty members guiding groups of residents on tours of the 31-year-old building.

School board member Frank Morse told the audience Monday night that while improving the elementary schools remains a priority, the high school must be done first. The board meets Feb. 9 to discuss modifications to the project. The goal is to schedule a spring referendum.